15.10. Is the driver of the yellow vehicle allowed to stop at this location?
UAЧи дозволено водієві жовтого автомобіля зупинитися в цьому місці?
This exam question from the Traffic Rules of Ukraine tests knowledge of stopping rules and their connection with road signs, which directly affects road safety. In the theoretical exam, it is important to understand exactly where prohibitions begin to apply, so as not to confuse warning signs with the place of actual restriction and not to create danger due to unjustified stops or, conversely, due to a mistaken confidence in permission.
In terms of content, this question belongs to the section of the Traffic Rules about stopping and parking (paragraph 15.9) and checks the ability to apply warning road signs (sign 1.9 "Tunnel") in a real situation. The key idea: sign 1.9 only warns about the approach to a tunnel and is installed in advance, so by itself it does not mean that the vehicle is already in the tunnel. And the prohibition on stopping from p. 15.9 (c) applies specifically within the tunnel, that is, after the entrance portal, so stopping in front of the tunnel as such is not subject to this prohibition (provided that the driver stops at the right edge and does not create obstacles).
Explanation of the options: the statement about permission only for boarding/alighting passengers is too narrow, because the traffic rules do not establish a special restriction "only for boarding" just because of the presence of a tunnel warning sign; stopping may also be for another permitted purpose. The option about a complete prohibition is also incorrect, since p. 15.9 (c) prohibits stopping in tunnels, not on the approach to them. That is why the correct conclusion in this exam question is that stopping at the specified place is allowed.
Clause 1.10 (term "Stop")
Stop — cessation of movement of a vehicle for up to 5 minutes or more if necessary for boarding (alighting) passengers or loading (unloading) cargo, fulfilling the requirements of these Rules (giving way, following the instructions of a traffic controller, traffic light signals, etc.).
Brief application: the question checks understanding that the driver intends to make a stop (for example, for passenger boarding), and such an action is evaluated according to the rules for stopping.
Clause 15.9 (c) of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine
Stopping is prohibited: (c) on overpasses, bridges, flyovers and under them, as well as in tunnels.
Brief application: the prohibition applies specifically to stopping in a tunnel (within the structure), not when approaching it.
Clause 33.1 — 33 "Road Signs", 1 "Warning Signs", sign 1.9 "Tunnel"
Sign 1.9 "Tunnel" is installed when approaching a structure that does not have artificial lighting, the visibility of the entrance portal of which is limited, or the carriageway narrows when approaching it. The sign is installed outside populated areas at a distance of 150–300 m, in populated areas — at a distance of 50–100 m before the start of the dangerous section. If necessary, the sign can be installed at another distance, which is indicated on plate 7.1.1. If the opposite end of the tunnel is not visible at the entrance, plate 7.2.1 is used with the sign.
Brief application: sign 1.9 is a warning sign and is installed in advance, so by itself it does not mean that the vehicle is already in the tunnel.
That is, the correct answer is "Allowed.", taking into account that according to the definition in the Traffic Rules, the prohibition on stopping applies in tunnels (clause 15.9 (c)), and warning sign 1.9 only informs about the approach to a tunnel and is installed at a distance from it, so stopping before the entrance portal of the tunnel is not prohibited.
First, let’s recall that according to the Traffic Rules, a “stop” means halting movement for up to 5 minutes (or longer if necessary, for example, to pick up or drop off a passenger). That is, the driver may briefly stop if it is not prohibited at a specific location.
In this situation, the driver of the yellow car wants to stop near a person before the tunnel. A warning sign 1.9 “Tunnel” is installed on the road. It is important to understand that a warning sign only informs about the approach to a tunnel and is placed in advance, that is, at a certain distance before the structure. It does not mark the place where the tunnel actually begins.
Next, let’s refer to clause 15.9 (c) of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine: stopping is prohibited in tunnels. This restriction applies specifically within the tunnel, that is, after entering it (from the entrance portal). In the image, the car is located before the tunnel, not in the tunnel itself, so this prohibition does not apply here yet.
It should also be remembered that stopping must be done near the right edge of the carriageway so as not to create obstacles. But the key point in this question is different: the stopping place is outside the tunnel, and the Traffic Rules do not prohibit stopping just before a tunnel solely because of the presence of a warning sign.
Therefore, the correct answer is “Allowed.”, since the prohibition in clause 15.9 (c) concerns stopping in the tunnel, and the car stops before entering the tunnel, where this prohibition does not apply.